THERE are, in this often grey and grim world, far too few colourful and charismatic characters.

And, as of yesterday with the passing of the legendary Ginger McCain, there is now one fewer.

The man known as Mr Aintree was one of this region’s great characters – and one of its greatest success stories.

As we all know, the Grand National is the world’s greatest steeplechase – and to win it once would be a highlight of any jockey or horse trainer’s career.

But Ginger didn’t just win this wonderful race once, he won it on FOUR occasions – three times with the incomparable Red Rum, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and then in 2004 with Amberleigh House.

Yes, Aintree was very good for Ginger McCain . . . but Ginger McCain was also very good for Aintree.

The National went through some tough times in the 1970s, but Ginger and his beloved and brilliant Rummy – the best double act in town – gave the race a much-needed boost.

It remains impossible to think about Aintree and the National without thinking about Red Rum and the man who trained him for repeated glory.

Over several decades, Ginger McCain made an immense contribution to Merseyside sporting life in general, and to the Aintree Grand National in particular.

And it wasn’t all about winning races – his enormous sense of fun was always in evidence and, after retiring in 2006 and passing the reins to his son, Donald, he remained an extremely popular visitor to Aintree.

There is something magical about the Grand National – and much of that magic was created by the great Ginger McCain.